The NEMO Conference is over for another year now, as the prestigious event, held at Slaley Hall, Hexham finished after what was a spectacular weekend.

Friday afternoon saw delegates split into teams for team building activities, ranging from falconry, blind driving, quad biking and off road Segways. Blind driving proved to be particularly popular as many drivers found themselves either facing the wrong way or stuck in the mud.

Friday evening asked attendees to be quick on the draw; a play on the year’s theme of ‘Just DOodle it’ as the Wild West came to Slaley and everyone donned their best cowboy costumes.

Shooting galleries, a disco and a bucking bronco kept everyone entertained as visitors tried to stay on, or in some cases only just make it onto, the bronco.

Saturday’s business session left a big footprint on delegates mind, as Geoff Burch talked about the importance of relationships, bridge building and sales strategies.

Business continued with the supplier exhibition, which this year had the added bonus of a caricaturist on hand to sketch delegates. The exhibition left a positive note in everyone’s minds, whilst some took to Twitter to instantaneously express their thanks.

‘Great conference…lots of great new products and a whole new range to launch soon, watch this space’ tweeted CBS World.

After the event, Andrew Tsierkezou (VOW National Account Manager Dealer Groups) praised the organisation of the exhibition, ‘The timings and agenda was well planned and executed. The exhibition had a very warm friendly feel to it with all the vendors getting access to the members during the 4 hours provided.’

Gina Smith (Spicers Dealer Group Director) added. ‘NEMO are always so welcoming, there is always a lovely friendly and fun atmosphere and this year was no different. The fun ends when its exhibition time and it’s strictly business, but always in a courteous and pleasant way. Well done NEMO for a fantastic event.’

The true spirit and uniqueness of NEMO came across on the Saturday with such a great turnout and members really engaging with suppliers.

John McCall (IOT Solutions, part of Sharp Business Machines) retold a story that proves just what NEMO is all about; John recalled that a week prior to the Conference, whilst pitching for a large education tender he needed other dealer’s advice and support and sent out an email to NEMO members, using NEMO’s forums, asking for help on the Sunday morning. Not only did he receive replies within a few hours later, but they were filled with genuinely helpful information and he managed to win the tender and make additional margin.

The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony took over Slaley on Saturday evening, where guests enjoyed a luxurious three course meal at the black tie event, with the hotly contested awards followed afterwards, recognising the achievements throughout the year.

This year’s winners were: (click to reveal)

[accordion][accordion-group title=”Best Stand of the Show” active=”true”]Antalis[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Wholesaler of the Year“]VOW Europe[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Vendor of the Year Gold“]Fellowes[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Vendor of the Year Platinum“]DAMS[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”The Design Unique Award for Product Innovation“]AF (UK) for their Tech Rescue Kit[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Dealer of the Year under £1 million“]Fishers of Dartford[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Dealer of the Year over £1 million“]Lincolnshire Office Friends[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Office Style Award“]Jones Wholesale Business Supplies[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Best New Product“]JepSign[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Personality of the Year“]Richard Bradley[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Dealer Excellence Award“]Robert Hall Business Equipment[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Outstanding Contribution to NEMO – Supplier“]Ricoh[/accordion-group][accordion-group title=”Outstanding Contribution to NEMO – Member“]Kath Slattery[/accordion-group][/accordion]

Saturday night continued with entertainment from comedian Sean Collins and then shoes came off as the disco came on to see in the night.

Stuart Colley, Antalis, commented ‘NEMO conferences are a great time to catch up with the members in a relaxed atmosphere where they give honest feedback. It was great to be part of it.’

Tim Beaumont, MD of NEMO congratulated all the winners on the night and thanked all the delegates, NEMO members and staff who helped to make the weekend such an enjoyable, successful and positive one.